PEORIA, Ariz.  Tommy Medica is going to get his first start in the outfield today against the Cleveland Indians. Medica has been crushing the ball so far in spring training and is making his case for the Opening Day roster. With the Padres being set at first base with Yonder Alonso and Cameron Maybin getting injured earlier this spring training, there might be some playing time available in the outfield.

“It’s spring training; it’s a great opportunity to expose players to different positions,” Padres manager Bud Black said. “We’re doing that with Tom, getting him exposed to the outfield. We’ve talked about it as a staff and as an organization about increasing a player’s versatility, increasing chances of playing time.”

Medica played left field for the first time in his major league career on Monday.

Yasmani Grandal will play in tomorrow’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers. Black said he is “still in a little bit of rehab mode” but is making a nice transition to getting back and ready for the start of the regular season.

Black said that Chase Headley is continuing to progress and his on-field activities are increasing every day. “We don’t have a hard date of when he’s going to play, but he’s nearing that,” Black said. “Hopefully within the next week we can get him on the field.”

Check out the lineup for today’s game against the Indians

Denorfia RF

Fuentes CF

Medica LF

Nady 1B

Dickerson DH

Castellanos 2B

Jackson SS

Rivera C

Gonzalez 3B

Ross P

Other Padres headlines:

New Padres pitcher Joaquin Benoit can give advice to all of the young players this spring.

Bud Black said he is still deciding who will determine when to challenge a call in the new system.

Alex Dickerson had a key home run in yesterday's win over the Athletics.